Career as a Singer

Typical Jobs: Performer in a band, opera, musical, soloist, recording studio, back up singer, voice teacher.

Typical Work
Singers are performers whose instruments are their voice. Singers work in a variety of fields performing and usually are defined by their singing style or type of music they perform. Singers can be soloists, part of a band, part of a musical production, part of an opera, a back up singer for a performing artist, a member of a choir or any other position in which they sing. Typically you will be self-employed as a performer with a band or as a solo artist. Some singers are hired by musicals or operas to perform in productions. If a production company hires you they employ you. You can also work as a voice teacher, training others in how to sing and perform.

Education Needed
Talent is the number one form of education. You will need a good singing voice to become a performing artist; just as musicians need skill with an instrument you will need skill with your voice. You can obtain post secondary or formal training as a singer through a variety of universities and applied arts/music schools. More formal training will give you a wider skill base and should improve your singing abilities but many are born with natural talent. Being original can also help you in obtaining employment. Education can help you in learning more about music, how to write music, how to compose music, melody, tempo and tone structure and how to perform in large groups or productions. Education is an asset to any singer, even though talent is still the most important factor.

Skills and Interests
Obviously you will need a good singing voice and skills in performing. Other skills can include how to read and write music, composing, and being able to play one or more instruments. Knowledge of dance is also a skill that many singers try to obtain to complement their singing skills for musicals/performances. Interests should include performing and singing music, listening to a variety of styles of music, working with others, and working nights.

Salary Range
The salary range for a singer is quite large due to the fact that some earn very little as part time performers while others can earn millions of dollars as performers. The range given below is to try and give you an idea of how much money you can expect to make and how much you can possibly make.

$15, 000 (part time) - $400,000(full time recording artist)

Associations and Organizations
Vocalist - http://www.vocalist.org.uk/index.html
National Association of Teachers of Singing http://www.nats.org/
Canadian Music Center http://www.musiccentre.ca/

Other music career choices

Other career choices